Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Double Ten Hag swoop gets approval with Lille star eyed and Darwin Nunez Plan B targeted; Radrizzani approves record £51m Leeds Utd signing

Sven Botman, Lille defender

Manchester United are making plans for a double signing, with Sven Botman now a primary target, Leeds United are ready to shatter their transfer record for a South American attacker, while Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Matthijs de Ligt wants to sign for Manchester City.

SVEN BOTMAN EMERGES AS SOLID MAN UTD TARGET

Manchester United are reported to have finally found themselves a new defender with a deal for Lille’s Sven Botman in the works.

New United boss Erik ten Hag plans to make three top quality signings this summer with a new defender, midfielder and striker on his wishlist.

However, with finances tight due to a lack of Champions League football, he needs to think carefully at how best to spend his money.

Indeed, a planned big money move for Frenkie de Jong will blow a large portion of his budget.

And the best attackers in the world rarely come without a huge price tag too.

 

As such, Ten Hag is having to think carefully about how much to lavish on a new centre-half.

To that end, Alessandro Bastoni, Matthijs De Ligt, Pau Torres and Jurrien Timber have all been linked. However, all three of those would cost United in excess of £40m. And in the case of De Ligt, a fee nearer the £70m mark is likely required.

However, Gianluca Di Marzio claims Ten Hag is now warming to a cheaper option in the form of Botman.

The Dutch defender has impressed in recent seasons for Lille.

And a move to Milan has long been rumoured for the 22-year-old.

However, the Italian side are prioritising a new midfielder and also fancy his Lille teammate Renato Sanches. As such, they are struggling to afford his mere £21.3m (€25m) asking price.

That though will not phase United, with Di Marzio claiming they are now ready to step in.

Marco Asensio opens door on potential move

Manchester United remain an option for Marco Asensio this summer.

Ten Hag wants to add a new attacker to this mix and is reportedly chasing Darwin Nunez.

However, any deal for him will not come cheap, while Liverpool are also stepping up their hunt for him.

However, Asensio could be brought in for far less, with his Real Madrid deal due to expire in 2023.

A very different player to Nunez, Asensio could be brought in to provide the ammunition for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now the player appears open to a potential move, saying: “I am focused on the national team. When this concentration is over, we will talk. We will see what I will do with my future. Renew or leave Real Madrid? I think there are three possibilities, there is also the option to stay and fulfil my contract year.

Marco Asensio heavily linked to Manchester United move

Marco Asensio heavily linked to Manchester United move

Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio is pushing for a move away from La Liga to the Premier League and Manchester United seem to be the favourites

“My future does not have to depend on whether or not I will have a place in the next World Cup.

“Rumours are part of football, and more so at Real Madrid. High-level players are always associated with it. Many players come out every summer and it’s something we have to live with.”

United believe the duo can sign for under £50m – starting with Sven Botman – with the signings reportedly given approval by the board should Ten Hag want them.

LEEDS UNITED TO SHATTER RECORD FOR GONZALO PLATA

Gonzalo Plata of Ecuador in action during the FIFA U-20 World Cup match between USA and Ecuador (quarter-final) in Gdynia

Leeds are ready to shatter their transfer record to sign Sporting Lisbon winger Gonzalo Plata, with Andrea Radrizzani reportedly approving his £51m asking price. (Corrieo de Manha)

Matthijs de Ligt wants to join Manchester City over Manchester United or Chelsea amid claims he is facing a pay-cut at Juventus. They want to reduce the Dutchman’s salary from €12m (£10.2) to €7.5m (£6.3m) per year. (Calciomercato)

Chelsea are now readying a move for Stefan De Vrij with hopes of moves for De Ligt and Jules Kounde fading. (FCInterNews)

Nathan Ake is denying reports he could leave Manchester City amid £50m links to Newcastle United. (Nos)

Newcastle are contenders to sign Steven Bergwijn with his £25m asking price easily in reach, claims analyst Aad de Mos. (Voetbal 4)

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic will fly to the UK next week for negotiations with Liverpool over Sadio Mane. Bayern’s opening £25m offer has been rejected with Liverpool reportedly seeking £45m. (SportsBILD)

VILLA FACE FIORENTINA COMPETITION FOR LUIS SUAREZ

Luis Suarez, Atletico Madrid striker warms up before the Champions League clash with Manchester United

Fiorentina are emerging as genuine contenders to sign Luis Suarez following his exit at Atletico Madrid. Aston Villa are also reportedly keen on the Uruguayan. (Ole)

Liverpool are ready to make Darwin Nunez their record signing as they look to beat Manchester United to the Benfica striker. (various)

Chelsea are open to sending Romelu Lukaku back to Inter – but only if they pay £21m (€25m) for a season’s loan, or send them a player in return. (Corriere dello Sport)

AC Milan are nearing a deal to sign Renato Sanches as a replacement for Franck Kessie this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Marcus Alonso admits he wants to play in Spain amid links to Barcelona and with his Chelsea contract entering its final year. (Onda Cero)

Chelsea have told Atletico Madrid they won’t be triggering a £29m option to turn Saul Niguez’s loan move into a permanent deal. (Marca)

REAL CLOSING ON TCHOUAMENI SIGNING

Real Madrid are closing on an announcement for Aurelien Tchouameni, amid talk they have reached a £85.3m deal. (Fabrizio Romano)

 

Tottenham are in talks over a deal for Pau Torres, with Giovani Lo Celso reportedly offered as a makewight in the deal. (Sky Italia)

Southampton star Mohamed Elyounoussi claims he is in talks over a new deal with the club, insisting he is happy to stay. (TV 2)

Robert Lewandowski is determined to leave Bayern Munich this summer after confirming he is seeking one final career challenge. (Bild)

Barcelona remain keen on Lewandowski, though also fancy Villarreal’s Gerard Moreno if a deal for the Pole proves tricky. (Sport)

Barcelona are in talks over a deal to sign Angel Di Maria – with his signing potentially ending Raphinha’s prospects of a move to the Nou Camp. (Fabrizio Romano)

Juventus had been keen on Di Maria, but their failure to agree a deal means they are now targeting Domenico Berardi. (Corriere dello Sport)